Staphylococcus hominis

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1. Classification

Kloos and Schleifer first classified S. hominis in 1975 (10).

S. hominis is a Gram-positive, mesophilic aerobic coccoid bacterium (2, 4).

The genus Staphylococcus contains many virulent Gram-positive bacteria (5). Among this genus, S. hominis is known as the third most common Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (6). CoNS are opportunistic pathogens that exist in the normal human microflora (5).

a. Higher order taxa

Domain Bacteria Phylum Firmicutes Class Bacili Order Bacialleaus Family Staphylococcaeceae Genus Staphylococcus

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2. Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.

• Include as many headings as are relevant to your microbe. Consider using the headings below, as they will allow readers to quickly locate specific information of major interest*

3. Genome structure

The S. hominis genome is 2.25 Mb, with a GC composition of 31.4%, and contains 2131 protein coding genes (7). There are no proteins unique to S. hominis. The genome of S. hominis consists of multiple antibiotic resistant genomic elements that decrease the organism’s susceptibility to antibiotic treatments. These genes include mecA, which encodes for the resistance of methicillin or oxacillin, and is located on the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec), a mobile genetic element (2). In biofilm formation, the gene atl1E is responsible for initial adherence of the S. hominis strain and the gene sea is responsible for toxin production (8). The S. hominis genome also expresses the ermC gene, a ribosomal target for modification, and the lnuA gene which mediates enzymatic drug inactivation especially in macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B antibiotics (MLSB) (9). Genomic analysis of S. hominis subsp. Hudgins has revealed absence of flagellar encoding genes (12).

4. Cell structure

Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”

5. Metabolic processes

Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).

6. Ecology

Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.

7. Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

8. Current Research

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9. References

It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.

Edited by JH, student of Jennifer Bhatnagar for BI 311 General Microbiology, 2020, Boston University.